Thursday July 29, 2021

“Lord, help me to pause, help me to focus, help me to receive your word in a way that makes an impact on my day. Amen”

Romans 10:14-21

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:

“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.”

Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,

“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;

I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”

And Isaiah boldly says,

“I was found by those who did not seek me;

I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”

But concerning Israel he says,

“All day long I have held out my hands

to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

Here we are again with scripture reflecting that our faith is a whole body experience!

Anybody who has known me for more than a day knows that feet are not my favorite. I’m sure your feet are wonderful, but unlike this scripture – I just simply cannot say feet are beautiful (especially mine). Today we are inspecting our feet for flaws on our journey. Feet have an important job – to get us from one place to the other safely. Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7 in verse 15 when he says “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”. The Gospel or “Good News” about Christ comes from a practice in the ancient world. When a new king or emperor came into his rain, there were some who were charged with the responsibility of proclaim the new kingdom. They would travel and share the “good news” of a new kings reign, and they would describe his power and might.

If there is anything we need more of in this world, it is good news! Yet we are at a stand still sometimes with our witness. The message is not getting from one place to another safely. Our faith is silent. Working in communication on a daily basis, I am constantly reminded about how important the delivery of good news really is. Can you imagine not telling anybody if you win the lottery, or if you know somebody who was healed from a serious illness? Think about it, as Christians we have the ultimate good news to share and yet Paul is clear in the first several passages today that if the good news is not communicated, others are hindered by their complete ignorance. “Faith comes from hearing the message”. Yet sometimes we are silent. Thanks to this scripture today we are aware that we are in need of a spiritual pedicure. Its time for us to march boldly and bring the good news to others.

Where is God calling you to bring the good news?

What is holding you back from sharing the good news with others?

Lord, these are your words. This is our story. Help me live in a way that honors you today and everyday. Amen.